A resolution proclaiming October 3 through 10, 2004, as Walk Nashville Week and October 6, 2004, as Walk To School Day.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan County Council recognizes the importance of walking as a healthy activity for all people in our community, and the importance of making walking safer for all people, especially our children; and

WHEREAS, walking or biking instead of driving creates cleaner, safer and environmentally healthier neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Walk Nashville Week affords people the opportunity to spend more time with their children, reduces car use and traffic hazards, promotes physical activity and contributes to a safer community; and

WHEREAS, the first Walk Nashville Week took place in 1999 and was a resounding success; and

WHEREAS, Walk Nashville Week 2004 will include the following events:

­ Walk To School Day on October 6;
­ Walk for Active Aging on October 7;
­ Walk To Lunch Day and Walk to Work Day on October 8;
­ Get on a Greenway Day on October 10; and

WHEREAS, Nashville schools are now in session and more children are walking to and from neighborhood schools -- many of them during the time of the day when many motorists are rushing to work or heading home after a tiring day at work; and

WHEREAS, children, parents and community leaders from over fifty schools in Nashville will join with participants worldwide for international “Walk to School Day” on October 6, 2004, to walk to school and evaluate pedestrian safety in their community; and

WHEREAS, Nashvillians of all ages will also take part in the Walk for Active Aging on October 7, which is encouraged worldwide by the World Health Organization to inspire senior adults to be physically active throughout their lifespan, and which will include organized walks for all generations at older adult residences and Senior Centers; and

WHEREAS, on “Walk to Lunch Day,” The Green Hills Action Partners and Down Fit in the District will encourage workers and walkers to get out of the work place and walk to a restaurant for lunch. Walkers will receive discounts at participating restaurants and other added bonuses for walking during their lunch hour; and

WHEREAS, those Nashvillians who cannot participate in another event in Walk Nashville Week, or realize the benefits of walking for health are encouraged to walk to work, and/or walk to lunch on “Walk to Work and Walk to Lunch Day,” October 8; and

WHEREAS, Walk/Bike Nashville, which is an advocacy group that has worked to promote improvements to walking and bicycling conditions since 1998, will partner with the Community Health and Wellness Team and Nashville Greenways for Get on a Greenway Day on October 10, 2004.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council further hereby goes on record as proclaiming the week of October 3 through 10, 2004, as “Walk Nashville Week” in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

SECTION 2. The Metropolitan Council further proclaims October 6, 2004, "Walk Our Children to School Day" in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: David Briley, Erik Cole, Mike Jameson, Ginger Hausser

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Health, Hospitals & Social Services Committee
Introduced:	October 5, 2004
Adopted:	October 5, 2004
Approved:	October 6, 2004
By: